Proverbs 24:23–34

23 These sayings also belong to the wise:ae

It is not good to show partiality in judgment.af

24 Whoever says to the guilty, “You are innocent”ag —

peoples will curse him,ah and nations will denounce him;

25 but it will go well with those who convict the guilty,

and a generous blessing will come to them.

26 He who gives an honest answer

gives a kiss on the lips.

27 Complete your outdoor work, and prepare your field;a

afterward, build your house.

28 Don’t testify against your neighbor without cause.b

Don’t deceive with your lips.

29 Don’t say, “I’ll do to him what he did to me;

I’ll repay the man for what he has done.”c

30 I went by the field of a slacker

and by the vineyard of one lacking sense.

31 Thistles had come up everywhere,

weeds covered the ground,d

and the stone wall was ruined.

32 I saw, and took it to heart;

I looked, and received instruction:

33 a little sleep, a little slumber,

a little folding of the arms to rest,

34 and your poverty will come like a robber,

and your need, like a bandit.e